Anni Albers Exhibition at Tate Modern

I went to the final week of the Anni Albers show at Tate Modern this week. The weaving was really interesting, particularly the line quality of the threads and the human elements of the making; as you know if you are a regular reader of my blog or follower of my work this is one of my greatest pleasures in looking/ listening and appreciating work and objects in the digital age we live and work in. As much as I enjoyed the work I found myself further interested in the looms and it took me back to the photos and drawings I made with the kind help of London Cloth Company. These manual machines are works of art in themselves and a pleasure to look at. 

Print Updates On The Way

New Project on The Way; Olsen Hegar Needle Holders

Back To My Roots; 'Thanks for teaching me and expecting me to fix things'

I've been thinking a lot about why I like to draw tools and machinery. People around me support my love for mechanics and techniques of making but often are amused by it. My father (ex pattern maker)  continues to have lengthy phone calls with me about tools and makers techniques in the same way he taught me when I was young. I've always been influenced by these things but its nice to remember that my grandfather (unintentionally) formalised my appreciation of the human elements to these objects we take for the everyday. His passing spurred on a labour of love that continues today in my work. 

and thanks dad for consistently teaching me and expecting me to fix things.

Here's a photo of my Grandad (left) on a battleship in world war two training and working as an engineer. I am the first generation in over 100 years not to be in metal work from blacksmiths to farriers to pattern makers and engineers. We still miss you but I think you'd like how my illustration practice turned out.

Sketchbook: Rough Illustrations Sketched Whilst in London Museum of Water and Steam

The Museum of Water and Steam Had Some Pretty Special Moments

Today I went to the museum of Water and Steam in South West London. Super important learning tangent re the water systems in place and how the materials have changed throughout time in order to toughen and adapt for longevity. It's crazy that we take it for granted when we sip a cool glass of water straight from the tap. However when I went into the back I was completely blown away by this amazing system and space. Seeing these cast sections of metal and the bevelling and design that had gone into creating the small parts; as well as design and skill was breathtaking. Each piece shaped and manufactured by human hands and specialist tools. I also did some sketching which I will post afterwards. The stairs and balcony spaces created to maintain the machinery in themselves were works of art. I would definitely recommend visiting this museum of a sunshine, frosty winters afternoon.